new airport phnom penh

Cambodia is undergoing massive infrastructure development (new Phnom Penh- Sihanoukville highway, new Siem Reap airport) to support its growing economy and position itself as a regional transportation hub.

One of the most ambitious airport construction projects currently underway is the new Cambodia airport Techo Takhmao International Airport located about 30–40 kilometers south of the capital Phnom Penh in Kandal Province. Slated for completion in 2025, the new Phnom Penh airport  will span 2,600 hectares (6,400 acres) making it one of the largest airports in the world. The $1.5 billion project broke ground in 2019 and will replace Phnom Penh International Airport for all commercial  flights when operational.

Techo Takhmao International Airport will be designated as a 4F class airport, enabling it to handle the largest aircraft including the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747. Initial capacity is planned for 13 million passengers per year with substantial room to expand. The airport will have 22 aircraft gates in the first phase. While Techo Takhmao takes over international flights, Phnom Penh Airport will be relegated to domestic flights, private jets, military operations and government aircraft. The new Phnom Penh airport represents a major infrastructure investment that will boost tourism, trade, investment, and connectivity for the capital and Cambodia in a whole. With construction now about 80% done as of late 2024, the airport is a symbol of the country’s modernization and economic aspirations.

New Airport in Cambodia | Latest News (updated October 2024)

✈️ Techo Takhmao International Airport is scheduled to open  in 2025.

✈️ As of September  2024, construction of the new Phnom Penh airport  is more than 80% complete.

✈️ A construction of a 60m wide and 13.5km long road, connecting Hun Sen Blvd via National Road 2 to the airport is almost complete.

✈️ A light rail  system connecting to the airport has been discussed.

 

Features Phnom Penh Int’l Airport Techo Takhmao Int’l Airport
Location 7 km west of central Phnom Penh about 20 km south of Phnom Penh in Kandal Province
Size 1,000 hectares 2,600 hectares
Airport Class 4E 4F
Annual Passenger Capacity 5 million 13 million (phase 1)
Number of Gates 14 22 (phase 1)
Airlines Served International and domestic International only
Construction Timeline 1930s origins, renovated in 1995 Broke ground 2019, completion by 2025

Comparison of the key features of Phnom Penh International Airport and the new Techo Takhmao International Airport

New Phnom Penh Airport, Cambodia New Airport | Location and Size

The new Techo Takhmao International Airport is located in Kandal Province, which borders the southeast outskirts of Phnom Penh. The site sits along National Highway 2 about 30 kilometers from central Phnom Penh.

The massive planned size of the airport is one of its most notable features. At 2,600 hectares (approximately 6,400 acres), Techo Takhmao will be among the largest airports in the world by land area. To put the sheer scale of Techo Takhmao in perspective, here are some comparisons:

  • Larger than Beverly Hills, California (15 km2)
  • Over 3 times the size of Phnom Penh (800 hectares)
  • Nearly the size of San Francisco (29 km2)

 

  New Phnom Penh  Airport Map

 

siem reap hotel package

New Phnom Penh Airport roadmap

The primary purpose of the new Techo Takhmao International Airport is to replace Phnom Penh International Airport as Cambodia’s main hub for all international commercial air travel. Phnom Penh international airport (PNH) is the busiest  airport in Cambodia and  handled  6 million passengers in 2019.

Phnom Penh’s first airport  formally known as  Pochentong International Airport is supposed to be closed down after the opening of Techo Takhmao.

 

Techo Takhmao International Airport Funding

The Techo Takhmao International Airport with an estimated cost of $1.5  billion has garnered funding from a diverse group of investors and financial institutions. Notable contributors include Cambodia Airport Investment Co., Ltd. (CAIC), a joint venture between the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Overseas Cambodian  Investment Corporation (OCIC) as well as several Cambodian banks and life insurance companies which have bought almost $100 million of bonds from CAIC.

 

 

Construction Timeline and Progress

 

The Techo Takhmao International Airport project broke ground in 2019, with completion currently slated for 2025. The construction is being carried out in multiple phases.
The airport is being built by the China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Group Co., Ltd (CCTEB). CCTEB is a subsidiary of China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), one of the world’s largest construction and real estate companies. CCTEB specializes in infrastructure construction, including highways, bridges, subways, and airports.

Phase 1 Timeline

  • 2019 – Groundbreaking
  • 2021 – Passenger terminal construction commences
  • 2023 – 50% of project completed
  • 2025 – Target opening and inauguration

As of October 2024, construction progress stands at around 80% complete overall. The Techo Takhmao International Airport has the potential to generate major economic and social benefits for Cambodia. Some projected impacts include:

  • Boosting tourism – Increased visitor arrivals, revenue, and jobs
  • Enabling trade – Expanding exports and foreign investment
  • Improving connectivity – Access to new global destinations
  • Facilitating business – Ease of travel for deals and partnerships

Conclusion

 

 

The Techo Takhmao International Airport stands poised to transform Cambodia’s aviation capabilities and catalyze major economic growth when it opens in 2025. With an expansive size of over 2,600 hectares, state-of-the-art facilities, and initial capacity for 13 million passengers per year, Techo Takhmao will be one of the largest airports in the world.  Rapid progress has been made in the multi-year construction of runways, terminals, and supporting infrastructure. The airport reached 80% completion by late 2024 and is on schedule for inauguration in 2025. Beyond aviation, Techo Takhmao will generate far-reaching economic and social benefits for Cambodia. From tourism to trade, it promises significantly expanded global connectivity and opportunities. As a flagship development project, the new airport signifies an important milestone in Cambodia’s growth. It represents a gateway to the future and will elevate the nation as a prime destination for travel, business, and exchange. The ambitious scale and vision of Techo Takhmao International Airport will propel Cambodia to new heights.

 New Phnom Penh Airport Photo Gallery

 

 

Techo Takhmao International Airport FAQ’s

What is the meaning of the name Techo Takhmao?

In Cambodia, the royal title of Techo is bestowed upon high-ranking military officers by the King as a recognition for the officer’s leadership and service. Takhmao is the name of a protective spirit or deity that is worshipped,in the region surrounding the city of Takhmao in Kandal province where the aiport is.
Laurent Dambies
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